Steve Barker talks up Stellenbosch advantage heading into MTN8 final with Orlando Pirates

While Stellies have had used the past 10 days during the international break to prepare their squad for the Mbombela Stadium encounter, the Buccaneers have been without as many as eight of players, who have been on duty with South Africa, and Namibia.

Only Thabo Moloisane has been missing for Barker's side this week, following his involvement in the two World Cup qualifers, where Bafana beat Lesotho and drew with Nigeria, to leave them one win away from qualification to the quadrennial showpiece.

Speaking ahead of the game, Barker explained that he hopes his side have learnt their lessons after losing 3-1 to Pirates in last season's final, and cannot underestimate their opponents.

He said in the Sowetan: "Look, obviously it shows testimony to what a good team they've built to have seven players in the national team, and maybe one or two players that are injured, that could have been in the national team, Evidence [Makgopa] who's been in the national team for a while now, who's not there now.

"So, if you look at the whole squad with Hotto, who's a seasoned Namibian International, basically, I believe Sihle Nduli is the level that could play national level so basically, they got a team of national team players, which shows the quality.

"At the same time, what is in our favour and advantage, we've only got Thabo [Moloisane] currently there, which has allowed us this week to prepare with our full squad except one, whereas Pirates most likely only get their players rarely fresh and ready to prepare from tomorrow or Thursday onwards.  

“So, I think it doesn't really give us a massive advantage, but it is nice to be able to work a full week without any midweek games with our squad besides, obviously also having an opportunity last week to prepare the team.”